Alberto 'Beto' Perez, creator of the fitness program Zumba, talks about how he swindled people into the exercise regimen and why men should start taking it seriously

According to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Zumba burns more calories than cardio kickboxing, step aerobics, hooping and power yoga.

Before you turn your nose up at the idea of shaking your hips as a form of exercise, remember that Zumba is far more effective than any other workout you’d willingly put yourself through. And don’t worry about your manhood: Even Wolverine does Zumba.

How did you create Zumba?

When I was 16, I taught aerobic classes in Cali, Colombia. One day I forgot my music at home and all I had at hand was a mixtape of Latin songs I recorded from the radio. So I just went with it and told the class that I would teach them something new. They were students, so naturally they accepted and we took it from there. I improvised for the hour-long class, and they absolutely loved it.

So the entire thing was nothing but a hustle?

Well yes, if you look at it that way. But after that day I took more of an interest and tried to incorporate as many styles as I could. That day I knew this was something I’d want to do for the rest of my life. I was dancing and they were paying me to do it.

What does Zumba mean?

Nothing. Zumba is a word I made up with my business partners at a Starbucks in America. The name is derived from Rumba, which means party in Colombia. My business partner and I were throwing all sorts of names to see which one fits. We felt the inclusion of a Z made it cooler.

How would you rate Zumba against other workouts?

For me, it’s better than any other workout routine available at the moment. I’ve tried them all, and nothing stacks up. Workouts are always branded as no pain no gain. People talk about discipline, sacrifice but Zumba gives you the opportunity to have fun while working out. How many people actually want to follow a regime? But everyone wants to party, and that’s all that Zumba is about.

What music qualifies for Zumba?

Anything party worthy. It needs to be happy, upbeat music. The trend right now is fusion, which works well in my favour because it’s the kind of music we use right now. I’ve recently started my own mixes that we’ve been circulating all over the world.

How much has Zumba evolved over the years?

The music and the movements evolve according to what’s trending at the time. But in terms of true evolution, I’d count the participation of men. Countries like Brazil, Mexico and India have been at the forefront of that change. I suppose it comes naturally to them. We’re hoping some of the Scandinavian countries catch on. Women love men who can dance. There’s an old adage that goes: The better the dance, the better the lover. Tell that to your audience.